15. Shattering hearts.

I want to make a group of my readers on Snapchat. Why? No reason, just wanna discuss my deadass life . (@ itsminmin_19) disclaimer warning ⚠, author is dumb as hell!!

Btw, Aynoor :

The atmosphere in Khan Haveli was usually vibrant and lively, especially since Aynoor's arrival, but today there was an extra buzz of activity. Servants hurried in and out of the haveli, carrying trays of food and various items, while Khanum supervised the cleaning of every nook and cranny.

In the living room, Khanum's authoritative voice echoed as she directed the workers to ensure every speck of dust was removed. "Shano!! achi tarah se saaf karo! Kitni dafa keh chuki k mujhe koi gandagi nazar na aaye," she commanded, her tone firm yet expectant. The workers diligently complied, eager to meet Khanum's standards.

Curiosity brewed among the servants as they whispered amongst themselves, trying to make sense of the unusual hustle and bustle. "Ye badi begum ko kya hogya hai?" a young servant girl whispered to Guley, her eyes wide with intrigue. Guley merely shrugged in response, equally puzzled by Khanum's sudden fervor.

"Koi khaas mehmaan aane wale hain," Guley whispered back, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. The young girl's frown deepened at the revelation, her mind already buzzing with questions about the identity of the guests.

"Kon?" the young servant girl asked again, her curiosity piqued, but Guley shook her head in frustration.

"Mujhe nahi maloom!" she exclaimed, her exasperation evident in her tone, causing the girl to pout in disappointment.

"Maa ji, sab tayaari hogyi hai kya?" Zoya's voice interrupted their conversation as she entered the living room, carrying Mustakeem in her arms. Khanum turned to her daughter-in-law with a warm smile.

"Ji, beta ji," she replied, extending her arms to take Mustakeem from Zoya. However, the little boy seemed determined to resist, thrashing around in Zoya's embrace.

"Isey kya hua hai?" Khanum inquired, her brow furrowing in concern as she observed Mustakeem's unusual behavior. Zoya chuckled softly, shaking her head.

"Subah se garden mai jaane ki zidd kar raha hai, aur phir iski zidd toh aap jaanti he hain na..." Zoya explained, her voice trailing off as she shared a knowing look with Khanum. Khanum couldn't help but smile at Mustakeem's stubbornness, reaching out to pinch his cheeks affectionately, eliciting a snarl from the little boy.

"Guley!?" Khanum's voice called out, and Guley promptly entered the living room.

"JI?" she responded, awaiting Khanum's instructions.

Khanum smiled warmly and replied, "Mustakeem ko zara garden mai le jaao. Khayal rakhna kahi gir wir naa jaye." Her tone overflowed with affection for her grandson, and Guley eagerly went to hold Mustakeem, who happily jumped into her arms.

Observing Guley taking Mustakeem, Zoya turned to Khanum, curiosity evident in her expression. "Mehmaan kab tak aayengy?" she inquired, eager to know when the guests would arrive.

Khanum sighed softly, a hint of anticipation in her voice as she replied, "Bas ek do ghante mai aa he jaayenge." Zoya couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.

»»---->

"Bahar aaj kaafi uthal puthal ho rahi hai, sab khariyat toh hai na?" Aynoor's voice broke through the hum of activity outside, catching Almeer's attention as he meticulously styled his hair in the mirror. He looked striking in a black shirt with rolled-up sleeves, his muscular arms adding to his undeniable charm, while his black pants added a touch of sophistication to his ensemble.

"Hmmm... Maa k koi mehmaan aane waale hain," Almeer replied nonchalantly, his focus still on his reflection as he set the brush down and made his way towards Aynoor. She had just finished brushing her hair and looked stunning in a white suit paired with a floral dupatta, her elegance reminiscent of a princess.

"Kon?" Aynoor inquired, making space for Almeer behind her. With practiced ease, he settled down behind her, his hands gently gathering her hair as he began to braid it, his touch tender and comforting.

"Mujhe nahi pata," Almeer replied casually to Aynoor's question, and she couldn't help but pout as she looked at him. He gently swatted her head, teasing, "Aagy dekho baal kharaab hojaayenge," prompting her to turn her head forward while he continued braiding her long hair.

"Tum chaddar lelo, hum bahar chalte hain," he suggested, and Aynoor's eyes lit up with excitement as she asked, "kaha?" Her enthusiasm was palpable, and Almeer couldn't help but smile as he playfully booped her nose, saying, "Mohtarma ko phone dilaane." His tone carried a hint of mischief, and Aynoor's joy was uncontainable as she exclaimed in happiness, jumping on the bed.

"OMGGGGG!!!!" she shrieked, her excitement infectious, and Almeer couldn't help but laugh at her exuberance.

"Khan aap kitne ache hain!" Aynoor exclaimed, her fingers playfully pinching his cheeks, eliciting a smile from him as he gently removed her hands.

"Chalo ab maska lagaana band karo aur tayaar hojao," he instructed, and Aynoor nodded enthusiastically, resembling a eager puppy with her nods and wide-eyed agreement.

"Aur suno, peeche k darwaaze se aana," Almeer added as he rose, grabbing his car keys.

"Aap kaha jaa rahe hain?? Aur peechy k darwaaze se kyun?" Aynoor's curiosity was piqued, and she questioned him with a tilt of her head.

"Mehmaan aane walein haina toh Maa will want us to be here, so its better if we sneak out, Okay? Aur mai gaadi back door pe lekar aata hu be fast," Almeer whispered, his voice low and conspiratorial. Aynoor nodded eagerly at his words, her agreement punctuated by each nod, before giving him a playful salute.

"Yes sir!!" she whispered.

»»---->

Let me take you to Yousoufzai Haveli.

This haveli was huge, almost as big as the Khan haveli. When you looked at it from far away, you couldn't even guess how amazing it was inside. To get in, you had to pass through a massive gate. After that, there was a road leading to where the servants lived, and let me tell you, even their place was like a work of art.

Once you passed the servants' area, there was another gate that took you to the gardens. These gardens were incredible, filled with all kinds of flowers and beautiful fountains. There were even cages with fancy birds inside, making it feel like a fairy tale.

Finally, after walking through the gardens that seemed to go on forever, you'd reach the haveli itself. The front part was for the men, and the back was for the women.

In the front part of the haveli, there was a big open space where Shajar Yousoufzai, the head of the family, sat with his son Bashaarat Yousoufzai. Facing them was Yamaan Yousoufzai, who was going to inherit everything one day.

Shajar Yousoufzai had only two children: a daughter named Wafaa Yousoufzai and a son named Bashaarat Yousoufzai. Wafaa had eloped with her lover 17 years ago, leaving behind a trail of family drama. Meanwhile, Bashaarat Yousoufzai had settled down, blessed with a son and a daughter.

Yamaan Yousoufzai, Shajar's grandson, was known for his fiery temper and staunch adherence to tradition. He was the kind of man who wouldn't tolerate any nonsense. In contrast, his younger sister, Talayah Yousoufzai, was gentle, sensible, and always seemed to exude calmness.

"Mujhe nahi yakeen Almeer Khan aisa karega," Bashaarat's voice cut through the air, filled with doubt. Yamaan and Shajar exchanged glances, their expressions betraying their own contemplation. Remembering Almeer's recent actions, Shajar Yousoufzai spoke up with conviction, "Karega. Bilkul karega."

Yamaan appeared surprised by his grandfather's certainty. "Aap itne sure kaise hain, Dada saayein. Mujhe toh abhi tak yakeen nahi aarha," he confessed, seeking clarity.

"Jis din mai Dilawer Khan se mila tha maine Almeer Khan ki aankhon mai wo aag dekhi thi. Wo ladki waaqai uske liye bohat eham hai," Shajar replied, recalling the intensity he had seen in Almeer's eyes during their encounter. Bashaarat's smirk hinted at his skepticism, while Yamaan's expression turned to one of disgust.

"Eham hai toh kya apni adhi property uske naam kardega?" Yamaan's voice dripped with anger and resentment.

Shajar couldn't help but chuckle at his grandson's fiery temperament. "Aurat ek bohat khatarnaak bimari hai, Yamaan," he remarked, his tone tinged with disdain. Yamaan's irritation was palpable, his expression reflecting his frustration.

"Toh ab wo Khan humare kissi kaam k nahi?" Bashaarat interjected, seeking clarity from his father.

Shajar shook his head firmly. "Hain. Bilkul hain. Yamaan, mere sher tum uss ladki ki saari maaluumat nikal wao. Pata toh chale aakhir hai kon aur aisi bhi kya khaas baat hai usme," he instructed his grandson, his voice authoritative. Yamaan nodded, understanding the gravity of the task assigned to him.

"Aap kya soch rahe hain, baba saayein?" Bashaarat inquired, his curiosity evident in his tone.

Shajar's response was enigmatic as he simply shook his head. "Bas dekhte jaao," he replied, leaving the matter open-ended, his thoughts remaining inscrutable.

»»---->

His phone rang once more, aggravating Yazdaan even further. He glared at the caller ID, his irritation evident. With a grimace, he declined the call, longing for some peace. Resting his head on the pillow, he let out a heavy sigh. The weight of the world seemed to crush him, and all he wanted was to shut out the world and find solace in sleep. Yet, despite his efforts to escape his thoughts, the persistent ringing of his phone disrupted his peace once more.

With a resigned exhale, Yazdaan reluctantly accepted the call, his irritation palpable in his voice. Kiara's concerned voice filled his ears, her worry evident even through the phone. Despite his resentment, she expressed her concern, her words sharpening the edges of his frustration.

"What do you want?" Yazdaan's tone was laced with bitterness, his resentment seeping through his words. Kiara, undeterred by his rudeness, continued to express her worries, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I had a nightmare today. Yazdaan, I just wanna know if you are okay?" Her concern was genuine, her disregard for his harsh demeanor evident as she focused solely on his well-being. Yazdaan ran his fingers through his hair, a conflicted expression crossing his face as he grappled with his own emotions.

"My wellness is none of your concern," Yazdaan retorted, his expression reflecting his disdain as he stared at his phone.

Kiara let out another sigh, her frustration evident as she pleaded, "Please, Yazdaan. Why are you doing this? I am genuinely worried."

Yazdaan's smirk of disgust was palpable as he replied, his words dripping with contempt, "I don't understand why you are worried about me? Mai tumhara lagta kya hu? Girls like you jo bina kissi rishte k ladkon k peeche padd jaati hain, disgust me."

Her heart sank at his harsh words, but she tried to reason with him, her voice trembling with hurt. "Aise toh na bolo. We are friends," she insisted, hoping to salvage some semblance of their relationship.

Yazdaan's laughter was bitter as he scoffed, "I never considered you as my friend." His words were like daggers to her heart, and tears welled up in her eyes. The realization that the guy she was in love with didn't even consider her as a friend cut deep, leaving her feeling shattered and alone.

"Why... why are you..." Kiara's words trailed off as Yazdaan interjected with a cutting remark.

"I am surprised, tumhari koi self-respect nahi hai? Why are you so persistent on getting your pride walked on?" His words were like a slap to her already wounded heart. Before she could muster a response, he abruptly ended the call, leaving her with nothing but the harsh beep of the disconnected line.

The sound echoed in Kiara's room, amplifying the ache in her chest as tears streamed down her face. She clutched her hand to her chest, the pain of rejection weighing heavily on her. Each sob wracked her body, a silent testament to the shattered pieces of her heart strewn across the floor.

"Am I really....disgusting?"

»»---->

"Almeer!!!" A feminine voice called out just as Almeer was about to step into his G-Wagon. He turned to find Aynoor settled in her seat, her gaze fixed on someone behind him, her eyes shooting daggers.

Following her line of sight, Almeer spotted Hamza and Hania approaching. Hamza seemed to be trailing reluctantly behind Hania, who was leading the way with determination. Almeer let out a sigh, already anticipating the tension that often accompanied Hania's presence.

Over the past year, Almeer had picked up on Aynoor's discomfort around Hania. She had mentioned on multiple occasions that Hania gave her chills and she didn't enjoy her company. Respecting Aynoor's feelings, Almeer had naturally minimized his interactions with Hania, whose presence he wasn't particularly fond of either.

"What are you doing here?" Hania asked Almeer with a smile, but he couldn't muster one in return. Nonetheless, he replied, "Noor wanted a phone, so we came to get her one," his voice devoid of enthusiasm as he glanced at Hamza.

Almeer and Hamza exchanged a brief side hug, with Hamza asking, "How are you, buddy?" Almeer responded with a teasing tone, "As handsome as ever." Hamza playfully rolled his eyes and nudged him, "Oh, come on."

Meanwhile, Hania, who had been busy admiring Almeer, finally noticed Aynoor in the car. Seeing her after a long time, Hania couldn't help but inwardly gasp at her beauty. Despite her envy, she made an effort to compose herself. She couldn't deny that Aynoor was stunning, though her presence irked Hania because, in her mind, Almeer belonged to her.

Hamza also spotted Aynoor in the car and silently sought Almeer's permission to greet her. Seeing Almeer's nod and knowing Hamza's respectful nature towards women, Almeer smiled.

"Asalamualikum," Hamza greeted warmly, his eyes twinkling with affection as he addressed Aynoor, who glanced at Almeer, finding reassurance in his smile before returning her smile to Hamza. "How are you, chutki?"

"Walikumasalaam Hamza bhai," Aynoor responded, her voice carrying a blend of familiarity and respect. "Mai thik hu, aap kaise hain?" Her gaze met Hamza's, who reciprocated her smile with genuine warmth.

"Mai bhi thik hu gudiya," Hamza replied affectionately, his tone carrying the bond of a protective elder brother. Almeer observed the exchange with a soft smile, his eyes reflecting the camaraderie between them, but his expression shifted as Hania interjected with a question.

"What are you going to pursue further in the future?" Hania's inquiry held a hint of urgency, as if she was eager to engage Almeer in conversation. Almeer glanced at her briefly, his response measured yet firm.

"I am pretty sure I have already told everyone that I'm discontinuing," he replied, his tone indicating a finality to the topic.

She chuckled lightly, her embarrassment evident, "I must've forgotten." Almeer simply nodded in response, choosing not to engage further.

Meanwhile, Hania's envy and resentment towards Aynoor intensified as she observed her interactions. With a saccharine tone, she turned to Almeer, saying, "Almeer, I want to tell you something." Almeer met her gaze, seemingly already aware of her intentions. His reply was firm, "It's better if you don't."

Hania winced at his tone but persisted, pleading, "But please, just hear me out once!" She held onto his arm, and Almeer's jaw clenched at her audacity. He swiftly removed her hand, glancing at Aynoor to ensure she hadn't noticed, but she was occupied with Hamza.

"Tameez k daairey mai reh kar, Hania." Almeer's words carried a stern warning, sending shivers down her spine.

Hania's words poured out, tinged with desperation and love, "Okay!! If you're gonna be like this toh thik hai. Almeer, I love you, and always have. And I know you are not truly happy with this marriage with a stupid kid, I understand your situation..." But before she could finish, Almeer's hand gripped her arm, his eyes flashing with anger as he cut her off abruptly.

"Bakwas band karo apni," he spat out, his voice low but filled with venom. "I don't know how shameless one has to be to confess to a married person. And you can't ever fucking know how happy I am to be married to a girl like Aynoor." His words, spoken softly but with a ferocity that couldn't be mistaken, were meant for Hania to hear, a warning to anyone who dared to intrude upon their marriage.

"You're lying!!!!" Hania's voice rose, on the edge of a shout, her disbelief evident in every syllable. Almeer sighed heavily, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

"Ladki ho isiliye lehaaz kar raha hu," he muttered, a hint of restraint in his tone. "But if you test my limits, I will make you regret ever thinking of me in such way. Aur haan, I would rather die than replace or give another woman a place in my life. You get it?" His voice dripped with hatred as he slid into the driver's seat, slamming the door shut behind him, leaving Hania to grapple with the harsh reality of his words.

Aynoor flinched at Almeer's outburst, her heart sinking as she turned toward him. Beside her, Hamza, who had been conversing with Aynoor through the passenger seat window, cast a worried glance at Hania, whose tears flowed uncontrollably.

"Khan?" Aynoor's voice trembled as she addressed him, her gaze searching his face, which seemed to be engulfed in flames of anger.

"CHUP HOJAO AYNOOR!" Almeer's voice rang out, almost a shout, and Aynoor recoiled slightly, stung by the unexpected harshness in his tone. With a heavy heart, Almeer drove off, leaving Aynoor bewildered and hurt by his uncharacteristic outburst. She couldn't fathom why he was so enraged, especially directed at her, without any apparent reason. Feeling the weight of his anger, her shoulders slumped, and she leaned against the window, feigning sleep, masking her own hurt and confusion.

After nearly ten minutes of heavy silence, Almeer felt regret coursing through his veins as he bit his lower lip, his gaze softening as it fell upon his princess, who pretended to be asleep. He sighed heavily, recognizing that he had unfairly vented Hania's frustration on Aynoor.

"Damn it!" he muttered softly, chastising himself for his actions, and stole a glance at Aynoor. With a mix of apology and determination, he reached out towards her hand, which lay still on her lap. Aynoor's surprise was evident as she looked at him, but she remained silent, waiting for him to speak.

His lips pressed into a thin line, Almeer gently took her hand in his and guided it to the gear shift. "Khan, kya kar rahein hain?" Aynoor's voice finally broke the silence, her confusion palpable. Almeer enveloped her small hand with his, his touch warm and reassuring, as he smoothly shifted the gear, causing her to gasp in surprise.

As the car picked up speed, he murmured softly, his words intended only for her ears to hear,

"I'm sorry yaar, Begum."

»»---->

"Dilawer Khan's sister, who was visiting the Khan haveli, addressed Khanum with warmth, "Arey bhaabi, itni takaluf karne ki zarurat nahi thi. Hum konsa paraaye hain." Khanum smiled in response to the affectionate reassurance from Saba. "Isme takaluf ki kya baat hai, Saba? Tumhara apna he toh ghar hai," she replied, emphasizing the familial bond they shared.

"Lo beta tum bhi toh kuch lo," Zoya encouraged the young girl who seemed quite out of place amidst the gathering. Despite her desire to escape the situation, she remained rooted, compelled by the stern looks her mother directed her way.

"Ye toh bas aise he, sharmili hai bohat," Saba remarked with a hint of amusement when her daughter continued to stand there like a mannequin. Khanum smiled warmly and turned to Zoya, inquiring, "Mustakeem kahan hai?" Saba joined in, affectionately adding,

"Arey haan, humare chote shehzaade kahan hain?" Zoya's face lit up as she responded, "Wo guley k saath zidd karke bahar kheton mai chala gaya hai," her voice filled with pride as she spoke of her son.

"Toh bulwalo na usey," Saba suggested, and Zoya nodded in agreement, "Ji behtar." With that, she rose from her seat, ready to fetch him.

Saba glanced around discreetly, then leaned in towards Khanum, whispering, "Wo dusri ladki kahan hain?" Khanum's brows furrowed in confusion, "Kon ladki?" she inquired.

Saba pressed her hand to her forehead, a gesture of mild exasperation, and clarified, "Arey wo he Zemal ki beti." Khanum's expression turned pale at the mention of Zemal.

No matter how hard Khanum tried to conceal it, she was acutely aware that everyone in the household was privy to her husband's past with Zemal. Aynoor's presence never bothered her much; after all, the girl was just a child, and it wasn't as though she would ever return to her mother. However, with Zemal now deceased, Khanum found herself grappling with renewed unease. She couldn't shake the image of her husband, haunted by memories, waking in the dead of night to smoke, his gaze fixed upon Zemal's photograph nestled in his wallet.

Sighing heavily, Khanum felt at a loss for what to do or say in response to Saba's question. Before she could gather her thoughts, Aynoor entered the living room, clutching a new phone box in her hand.

"Asalamualikum, Maa.." Aynoor chirped as she entered, her voice carrying a bright tone that momentarily lifted the tension in the room. Khanum's smile widened at her greeting, "Walikumasalam, beta ji," she replied warmly, acknowledging Aynoor's presence.

However, before any further pleasantries could be exchanged, Almeer's commanding voice reverberated through the room as he entered, a couple of bags in hand. He had taken Aynoor shopping as a gesture of reconciliation, and now he was here carrying her dresses and chocolates.

"Noor, kitni baar bola hai aise bhaga na karo!!" Almeer's tone was firm, admonishing Aynoor for her sudden departure. Aynoor's response was a sheepish "Sorryyy..." accompanied by a smile, her eyes twinkling as she glanced at him, trying to lighten the mood. Almeer shook his head in response, a mix of exasperation and fondness evident in his expression.

As Almeer's attention finally shifted to his aunt and cousin, he prepared to greet them, but his aunt's voice intercepted before he could utter a word,

"Ye toh kahi se bhi wani nahi lagti...... Bhabhi?"

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

My lip is busted so bad I look like a one-sided duck.